Scenic journeys to stunning places.Great days out for our visitors and residents.

Swansea is a great city to stay in so why not consider an extended stay and use as a base to explore other parts of south west Wales?
Residents have many opportunities to get out and explore the area using the train and bus. The train gives an opportunity to discover delightful places in west and mid Wales with a great coastal and countryside views on the way. The bus gets you into the dramatic scenery and attractions of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the iconic National Botanic Garden of Wales as well as to the local attractions of Gower and the Valleys.

Try these itineraries for a great day out!

Carmarthenshire

National Botanic Garden

Traws Cymru T1s bus from Swansea

One of Wales’ top attractions, the National Botanic Garden is a very special place, busy blossoming into a beautiful jewel in the crown of UK gardens.
Take the Traws Cymru T1s bus from Swansea direct to the Botanic Gardens, leaving at 12.15 and returning from there at 16.23 on Mondays to Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays or Public Holidays.

A cultural journey to Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne - Train - Bus

Swansea or Gowerton

A highly scenic train ride from Swansea (10.02) or Gowerton (10.13) to Carmarthen (10.53)
Easy transfer to the bus at Carmarthen (11.15)
Travel on a local bus through rural Carmarthenshire
At Laugharne (11.54), see the stately castle and visit Dylan’s Boathouse and Studio
Laugharne is reputed to be the inspiration for ‘Under Milk Wood’ set in the small town of Llareggub (try reading it backwards!)
Some great places to eat and drink
Come back at 14.22 or 16.54 change bus to train at Carmarthen.

An exotic journey to the heart of Wales - Train

One of Wales’ outstanding train journeys starts its scenic way along the millennium coast followed by the bucolic Towy Valley and rugged mountain scenery of Powys; experience a train ride on a real country railway!

TAKE THE TRAIN TO ONE OF THE MANY FASCINATING TOWNS ALONG THE ROUTE or to set off to surrounding countryside on foot or cycle*

The recommended train leaves Swansea at 09.15 (Saturdays); 09.33 (Mondays to Fridays); 11.12 Sundays, Gowerton approx. 10 minutes later. You can have a half or full day out before returning

Llandeilo

This bustling market town has a number of attractions; independent quality shops and a range of places to eat and drink. It is a short walk or cycle ride to the beautiful National Trust property of Dinefwr Park and Castle. It’s a longer and more energetic cycle ride (and walk) to the impressive fortress of Carreg Cennen Castle (7kms). Best option is to leave the train at Llandybie and return to Llandeilo for the train back.

Llandovery

Llandovery is an ancient market and droving town with Georgian architecture and a fascinating history, the area being noted for its welsh ‘braveheart’ Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and the Physicians of Myddfai. The town has a range of food, drink and craft shops. It’s a 5 km walk or cycle ride on quiet roads through pleasant countryside to the village of Myddfai, possibly the birthplace of modern medicine; according to legend, a dynasty of herbalists known as the ‘Physicians of Myddfai’ lived and worked here in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Cynghordy

Next stop on the line after Llandovery is Cynghordy. From here you can walk 1.5 kms to see its spectacular viaduct. A circuitous 10 km walk or so to the west of the railway will get you back to Llandovery for the afternoon train.

Llanwrtyd Wells

Britain’s smallest town of 850 inhabitants, Llanwrtyd Wells punches above its weight on wacky events such as Man v Horse, Bog Snorkelling as well as its more traditional Beer and Walking Festivals. Photo by R. Christie.

The Heart of Wales Line Walking Trail

The most ambitious project on this railway to date is this walking trail, very much work in progress but with sections already open at the north end (Shropshire) and south end (Carmarthenshire & north Swansea). The Powys section will open in March 2019. From Swansea, sections will be suitable for an out and back in a day basis but a 48 hour train ticket will permit greater exploration with a nights’ stay enroute. You can join and alight at any station so there is maximum flexibility within the limits of the train service.

Brecon Beacons National Park - Bus

The T6 bus journey from Swansea and Neath is a scenic delight as it takes you from the coast through the majestic mountain scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Running hourly on weekdays (five per day on Sundays), it offers a choice of departure times and itineraries. We have selected three key places to visit; Dan-yr-Ogof caves, Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Brecon itself, whilst through connecting bus services, it is possible to get to and climb Pen-y-Fan (south Wales’ highest point).

National Showcaves of Wales

Dan-yr-Ogof

One of Wales’ greatest and most popular attractions, the magnificent showcaves, part of a 17km long cave system known as Dan-yr-Ogof, is reached directly by the T6 bus.

Craig-y-Nos Country Park

Craig-y-Nos Castle

Situated in a dramatic and romantic location in the secluded upper Swansea Valley, Craig-y-nos Country Park is a 40-acre Victorian garden with shady woodlands, meadows, ponds, lazy lawns and rushing rivers.

Brecon

Brecon Interchange

Brecon is a fascinating market town with plenty of interesting things to do including a cathedral, regimental museum and canal basin as well as a wide range of places to eat and drink, making a great day out

Glorious South Pembrokeshire - Train

There are direct trains from Swansea and Gowerton to South Pembrokeshire and we have selected two places well worth seeing for their beauty and history.

A scenic train ride from Swansea (10.02) and Gowerton (10.13)* along the Carmarthen Bay coast then through pleasant rolling countryside to south Pembrokeshire; arrive Tenby (11.49) or Pembroke (12.23). Return from Pembroke at 15.09 or 17.09, Tenby at 15.41 or 17.38.

*Monday to Friday times; time variations on Saturdays; no suitable service Sundays.

Tenby

5-10 minutes’ walk to town, harbour and beaches

This medieval walled town is famous for its amazing golden beaches and historic quayside and town centre, as well as boat trips to Caldey island owned by a community of Reformed Cistercian monks.

Pembroke

Pembroke: 15 minutes’ walk to castle

This historic town is best noted for its magnificent medieval castle, birthplace of King Henry VII of England. It is a bustling town with lots of places to eat and drink.

Supported by the Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme which is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.